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It is also less than the cost of their sponsorship of rugby’s Six Nations event, at £11million.

Theresa May refused to step in to halt the closures, insisting decisions about branches were up to individual banks.

But after relentless campaigns run by locals in the affected areas, some of the most vital branches could now be saved from the axe.

Highland councillor Kirsteen Currie, who has campaigned for lifeline branches including Tongue in Sutherland to be spared the axe, said: “The whole thing is outrageous.

“The evidence which they used to draw up their closure plans appears to have been drawn with crayons.

“Details slipping out at a weekend that some branches may or may not be shutting just adds to the whole sense of farce from RBS.

“They are a publicly owned entity. They should be making these branches useful community assets instead of trying to come​ ​up with ways to close them down.”

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford says talks he has had with RBS chiefs in recent weeks were “productive” and “moving in a positive direction”.

The MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber said: “The Tories are letting Scotland down by failing to lift a finger to save these vital local banks from closure – leaving many communities with the damaging prospect of losing their last bank in town. While the UK Government refuses to take action, the SNP will continue our campaign to save these banks, which are hugely important for local people and businesses.

“That is why I have, for the past few weeks, been bypassing the Prime Minister to talk directly with RBS.

“Our discussions have been productive and are moving in a positive direction.

“I am hopeful the concerns of our communities are being heard and that a breakthrough can still be found.” RBS, who are 72 per cent owned by the taxpayer, said the closures were due to more customers banking online.

But campaigners say the branches provide a lifeline to people and small businesses, especially in rural areas.

An online petition calling for the branch on Barra to be saved has been signed by more than 11,600 people – despite the island only having a population of about 1200.